Product classification
HS code for Chilled dogfish: 0302.81
Fish, fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled dogfish under HS 0302.81
HS code 0302.81 is the specific designation for fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks. This classification is found within Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 is reserved for fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The classification of dogfish under this code requires the fish to be in a whole state or minimally processed, such as being gutted or having the head removed. The term "chilled" implies that the fish has been cooled to a temperature generally around 0°C to prevent spoilage during transit, but it has not been frozen. This distinction is vital for regulatory compliance, as frozen dogfish falls under heading 0303. Dogfish, primarily of the species Squalus acanthias or Scyliorhinus spp., are often traded as whole carcasses. The classification is also dependent on the absence of further processing; if the dogfish is sliced into fillets, it moves to heading 0304. Customs authorities use this code to monitor the trade of shark species and ensure compliance with international conservation agreements like CITES, which may apply to certain shark varieties included in this subheading.
- Covers
- Fresh whole dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
- Chilled gutted dogfish
- Fresh headed and gutted sharks
- Chilled catsharks (Scyliorhinus spp.)
- Fresh smooth-hounds (Mustelus spp.)
- Also under 0302.81
- Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
- Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
- Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
- Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus)
Codes often confused with 0302.81
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs when chilled dogfish fillets are entered under 0302.81. Fillets must be classified under 0304.47. Another common error is confusing 0302.81 with 0303.81, which is the code for frozen dogfish and sharks. Additionally, if the shark meat is minced or presented as non-fillet meat, it should be classified under 0304.56. Proper identification of the species and the physical form of the fish is essential to avoid these errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030281 (the code used for chilled dogfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030281 (the code used for chilled dogfish) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 46% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030281, not only chilled dogfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $6.1M 38% of world exports
- 2 New Zealand $2.5M 15% of world exports
- 3 Spain $1.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $7.2M 46% of world imports
- 2 Spain $3.2M 20% of world imports
- 3 Australia $2.6M 17% of world imports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for chilled dogfish
Brazil classifies chilled dogfish under NCM 0302.81.00: HS 0302.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled dogfish
What is the HS code for Chilled dogfish?
The HS code for Chilled dogfish is 030281 (Fish; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks (whole or gutted) is 0302.81.
How do I classify Chilled dogfish for customs?
Chilled dogfish is classified under HS code 030281 — Fish; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include shark fins?
No, shark fins have their own specific classifications under 0302.92 (fresh/chilled) or 0303.92 (frozen).
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled dogfish (HS 030281)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030281 (the code used for chilled dogfish) in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.1M, 38% of world exports), New Zealand ($2.5M) and Spain ($1.7M). World exports came to about $16M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of chilled dogfish (HS 030281)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030281 (the code used for chilled dogfish) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($7.2M, 46% of world imports), Spain ($3.2M) and Australia ($2.6M). World imports came to about $16M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Chilled dogfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030281 for Chilled dogfish is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for chilled dogfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled dogfish (HS 030281) is classified under NCM 0302.81.00.